Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose announced the arrest of nine men for soliciting prostitution, after an overnight "John" operation was conducted in the city.
According to Director Ambrose, in response to complaints from citizens living in the areas of Frelinghuysen Avenue, Wright Street, Sherman Avenue and East Bigelow Street, the members of the Special Investigation Bureau conducted a "John" operation overnight.
Continuing Director Ambrose's pledge to target all activities that lead to other crimes and denigrate the quality of life in our neighborhoods, police launched the covert operation, which started late last night and ended early this morning.
Authorities said the operation targeted those who cruise through neighborhoods into the "wee" hours of the morning searching for prostitutes.
Director Ambrose said targeting these individuals not only improves the quality of the life in these neighborhoods, it also reduces the likelihood of these men becoming the victims of other crimes.
Director Ambrose stated, “We will continue to take definitive steps to combat crime and the activities that impeach our reputation at every level here in our city. It is important that we address quality of life concerns as well as other criminal activities.
This operation is one of many ongoing initiatives designed to address citizen complaints throughout the city.”
The operation resulted in the arrest of the following men for soliciting prostitution:
**Damion Abrahams, 33, of Maplewood
Brandon Peele, 35, of Newark
Michael Calouro, 40, of Garfield
Ernest Corbett, 27, of Newark
William Wiafe, 47 of Parlin
Guilherme Pinto, 69, of Roselle
Emildio Vasquez, 39, of Rahway
Peter Quick, 54, of Basking Ridge
Leon Coleman, 42, of Newark**
It should be noted six of the nine arrested are from out of town Director Ambrose said.
Although arrested these individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.